**Israeli Fire Kills Dozens of Palestinians in Gaza**
A devastating incident has unfolded in northern Gaza, where Israeli gunfire killed at least 30 Palestinians and injured hundreds more on Wednesday. The victims were waiting for humanitarian assistance when the shooting occurred.
According to reports from Hamas’ civil defence agency, the incident took place near a distribution center for aid trucks, which had gathered approximately 3 kilometers south of the Zikim crossing. However, Israel’s Defense Forces claimed that they fired “warning shots” after Gazans congregated in the area, and that they were unaware of any injuries resulting from their actions.
**Contradictory Accounts**
The accounts from both sides are at odds, with Israel stating that a gathering of suspects posed a danger to their troops and that warning shots were fired hundreds of meters away from an aid distribution center. In contrast, Gaza hospital sources told the BBC that six Palestinians died near an aid distribution center in Rafah on Wednesday morning.
**Worsening Humanitarian Crisis**
This latest incident highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The United Nations Human Rights Office reports that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers while attempting to access food aid since late May. Additionally, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has reported that more than 150 people, including 89 children, have died from malnutrition since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in 2023.
**International Condemnation**
The international community is increasingly concerned about the situation in Gaza. The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has called for an end to the blockade and for aid to flow freely into the territory. This week, he stated that “the trickle of aid into Gaza must turn into an ocean.” France, the UK, and Canada have all announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly this September.
**Escalating Tensions**
The visit of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Israel on Thursday comes as tensions continue to escalate. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza shows no signs of abating, with over 60,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, according to Hamas’ health ministry. As the world waits for a resolution to this conflict, it is clear that time is running out.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
